Liverpool have agreed a deal for Trent Alexander-Arnold to join Real Madrid in time for the Club World Cup.
The new Premier League champions confirmed a deal had been reached for him to join Real prior to the expiry of his Liverpool contract on June 30, and Real said this would enable the England international to play for the Spanish side at this summer’s Club World Cup.
“He now departs Anfield after 354 appearances and 23 goals for the club, as well as lifting eight major honours alongside his team-mates, which consist of two Premier League titles, the Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup, UEFA Super Cup, FA Cup and two league cups.
“Alexander-Arnold leaves Liverpool FC with the club appreciative and grateful for his contribution to those successes.”
It is believed that Liverpool will pocket roughly £10m from the transfer – a combination of a €10m (£8.4m) payment from Real to secure Alexander-Arnold’s services early, and money saved on four weeks’ wages to the player.
Sources close to the Merseyside club say Real first registered an interest in the player last December, and since then their football department has been determined to protect the best interests of the club.
The money secured appears to represent good business for Liverpool, amid early indications Real would only be willing to pay £850,000 to secure the player’s services before the expiry of his Liverpool contract.
Alexander-Arnold confirmed on May 5 he would be leaving Liverpool this summer, and was booed by fans during the subsequent home match against Arsenal.
However, he was warmly welcomed by fans at Anfield during the final game of the season against Crystal Palace last Sunday, with the player saying he had “never felt so loved”.
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